New concept hotel breaks ground in Birmingham

BLOC Hotels’ third location, opposite Birmingham’s Grand Central and New Street Station, will open in 2021.

With work now onsite, the building will comprise 227 bedrooms spread across 22 floors, bringing a contemporary new structure to Birmingham’s developing city centre skyline.

Joel Sawyer, director at Building Services Design (BSD) – which provided mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E) design services – said: “The demolition of the site’s previous building – Gallan House – has made way for this 7,000 sqm scheme, which will support the wider regeneration work taking place around New Street Station.

Joel added: “Due to the height of the building, our biggest challenge was the splitting of water services. We had to design a system that would allow the correct amount of flow and pressure, serving every level of the building seamlessly. This was achieved through the boosted cold-water services being designed to utilise two different pump sets. This allows the lower half and upper half of the building to be served independently.

“There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to hotel design. In addition to standard rooms, BLOC Grand Central will offer apartment-style accommodation with kitchenette, lounge and separate bedroom.

“BLOC Grand Central will have a tall, slim structure that’s like nothing else we have in Birmingham – so will be a welcome, modern new addition to the city.

“Birmingham is quickly transforming into a world-class city. BSD has had a presence here for more than 10 years, so we’re incredibly proud to be involved in such a significant scheme in the heart of our city.”

BLOC’s commercial director, Danny Jones, said: “We have a fantastic team working on BLOC Grand Central, which has managed to fulfil and deliver on our brief. BSD have managed to overcome challenges the building presented and design a fit-for-purpose system.

“We’re delighted to be opening our third hotel, adjacent to Grand Central station in Birmingham. It’s an incredible city which has seen significant development over the last few years.”